Locals set world records at True North True Strength Open

ELORA – Local weightlifters are setting world records once again. 

The third annual True North True Strength Open took place on Sept. 19 at the RT Health Company in Elora.  

Overall, 51 world records were set – 46 by Canadians and 11 by these  seven Centre Wellington residents: 

• Salina Valitutti, 28, who set records in the standing EZ curl bar with 115lbs, trap bar deadlift with 350lbs and Donald Dinnie deadlift with 455lbs (Valitutti’s 455lb lift is the third heaviest amount lifted in the organization by any woman, and she also holds the absolute heaviest record of 475lbs in the equipped division, set earlier this year on June 20);

• Adam Balch, 29, who  set records in the standing EZ curl bar with 206lbs, which is the heaviest lift to date for that specific lift in the OTSO World Records (Balch also lifted 550lbs in the trap bar deadlift); 
• Kyle Frappier, 23, who set a record in the standing EZ curl bar with 125lbs; 

• Jeremy Law, 46, who set a record in the standing EZ curl bar with 125lbs;
• Matt Black, 38, who set records in the standing EZ curl bar with 165lbs and the trap bar deadlift with 405lbs;
• Joe Somfay, 81, set records in the trap bar deadliftwith 260lbs and the Donald Dinnie deadlift with 395lbs; and
• Alix McGregor, 80, who set records in the standing EZ curl bar with 25lbs and the trap bar deadlift with 132lbs. 

A video of McGregor completing the Trap Bar Deadlift went viral on social media, with about 40,000 “likes,” 850 comments and 1,390 shares between Instagram and Facebook.

Black has been weightlifting casually for about 10 years, but he didn’t start competing until Fergus’ Chris Frappier organized the first True North True Strength Open three years ago. 

He wasn’t sure what he’d achieve at this year’s competition, as he’s recovering from an injury. 

What stands out most about competing to Black is the community: “We are all trying our best and everyone’s there supporting each other – it just makes it a fun time.” 

Somfay also got involved with competitive weightlifting thanks to Frappier, who he met volunteering at the Elora Centre for the Arts (ECFTA). 

He lifts weights to stay strong, mobile, agile and healthy in his retirement, and competing helps encourage him to push a little harder. 

“I wasn’t really going for awards, or being some sort of champion,” Somfay said. 

But it did feel good to set the records, especially with the other competitors cheering him on.

“The last couple inches of lifting is made easier by that kind of support,” he said.

Somfay said Frappier calls him an inspiration, but “I’m sure people I’ve seen 20 years younger will go beyond what I’ve done” when they reach his age.   

“I think I owe a great deal of gratitude to Chris, and RT Health Company, and (RT trainer) Blaize Bridges for helping me participate and encouraging me and inspiring me,” Somfay said.  

He said Bridges helps ensure he has good form and doesn’t overdo it while working towards getting stronger. 

Somfay is noticing that increased strength, as he’s more able to do things around his home and at the ECFTA. 

He hears people talk about waiting all their life for the golden years of retirement, and then finding once they reach that stage that poor health stops them from enjoying it. “That’s kind of sad,” he said.  

So Somfay is working hard to keep his body in the best health possible, visiting the gym five days a week. 

Somfay and Black encourage anyone considering weightlifting to give it a try. 

“I would say absolutely do it,” Black said. “It’s so fun. Even if you don’t meet your own goals, everyone is there just supporting you – it’s awesome.” 

And Somfay recommends: “Take care of your body before you get old, not after you get old.”  

Those interested should talk to their doctor and get connected with a gym and learn how to lift weights safely so they don’t injure themselves, Somfay added. 

Somfay had a quintuple bypass 21 years ago, so he spoke with his doctor about his heart rate and what to watch out for.  

And he’s working with his trainer now to focus on weaker areas of his body. 

“Weightlifting teaches you about your strengths and your weaknesses,” Somfay said, and “makes you more aware of your body and what you can and can’t do.” 

Somfay also recently completed training to become an official, or judge, so that he can give back by helping with competitions.  

The competition was sponsored by RT Health Company, Bester Bookkeeping, Wolfe, Smith and Forster LLP, YouTopia Medical Spa, Ecclestone Financial Group, Co-operators Craig Janzen & Associates Inc., Grand River Physiotherapy, Wightman, Dreamland Pet, Station Earth, and Summit Laser & Manufacturing Ltd, Popeye’s Supplements Orangeville, Team Industry Canada, Inner Strength Products, Inclusive Fitness, Nemesis Grips and Ironhelm Fitness.